The Effects of Eating Fast Foods

A large portion of the global population relies on fast food and ready-made meals. According to a 2003 study entitled "Fast Food Consumption of U.S. Adults: Impact on Energy and Nutrient Intakes and Overweight Status," people no longer have the time to cook their own meals, which is why ordering from fast food outlets has been the trend for many modern day families.

Statistics

According to Helpguide.org, one out of four people in America eats fast food. Myfit.ca reveals that 50 million people in the U.S. rely on fast food.

An online survey conducted by the AC Nielsen Company revealed that 98 to 99 percent of people from countries such as China, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines eat fast food.

Effects

According to Glenn Freiboth, a certified health advisor, fast foods contain high calories that make you eat more than you normally would. The most obvious negative effect of eating fast food is obesity. Besides putting in more weight to the body, it can be a cause of major and chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart ailment.

Significance

Eating fast food leads to adverse health problems. In Brooklyn, United States, 63 percent of the population is obese. Brooklyn is only one of the many cities in the U.S. surrounded by fast food outlets.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 300,000 early deaths connected to obesity are recorded annually.

Warning

Excessive eating of fast food leads to major health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, liver damage, respiratory problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, Blount's disease, dyslipidemia and arthritis.

The Veterans Administration Medical Center found oxidized fat, a type of fat that creates plaque in the arteries, in fast foods like hamburgers, French fries and pizzas. Fast foods are rich in saturated fats and bad carbohydrates. When taken excessively, they can lead to serious medical conditions.

Prevention/Solution

Helpguide.org suggests that fast food eaters choose their menu more carefully. For instance, aside from choosing the "Extra Crispy Chicken Breast" of KFC, you may go for the drumstick with fewer calories. KFC's nutrition information will tell you that the former contains 440 calories while the latter has 160 calories.

Although some fast food outlets are exerting effort to serve healthier food, it is better to eat fast food in moderation. Ordering food with vegetables and avoiding fried foods whenever possible are also good ways to lessen your calorie intake.